Film can act as a catalyst for social change by shining a light on people, places, and causes otherwise unknown to audiences around the world. The Heartland International Film Festival continues to champion impactful independent filmmaking and will debut the all-new Richard D. Propes Social Impact Awards to recognize such titles. Activist, film critic, and namesake of the new award Richard D. Propes will be joined by Susan MacLaury, Shine Global Co-Founder and Executive Director, whose mission is to give voice to children and their families by telling stories of their resilience to raise awareness, promote action, and inspire change. Richard and Susan will discuss social impact through film with the filmmakers behind Shine Global’s latest release and 2018 Heartland Finalist “Tre Maison Dasan,” Director Denali Tiller and Producer Rebecca Stern.